Easy and Delicious Crockpot Chili Recipe - My Family Thyme (2024)

FAQs

Does thyme work in chili? ›

Oregano and thyme add depth and breadth of flavor, while classic chili ingredients like crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and two kinds of beans (pinto and kidney) are used to round out this iconic stew.

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

6–8 hours. If it is ground beef and beans, 6 hours is good. If it is regular meat then 8 will be more tender.

Sure, there are plenty of other amazing chili recipes that are cooked on the stovetop, like beef and bean chili or white chicken chili. However, many of the ingredients in traditional chili (like onions and garlic) and dried spices (like chili powder and cumin) develop excellent flavor thanks to low-and-slow cooking.

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Cumin is the distinctive aroma and a prominent part of the taste we associate with chili. I like to use from 1 teaspoon to 1 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin per pound of meat. If I have it on hand, I love to use whole cumin seeds. I'll roast them in a cast iron skillet until they become aromatic.

Insufficient seasoning, such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt, can lead to bland chili. Chili relies on a combination of spices and seasonings for its distinctive flavor. Be sure to taste your chili during the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Can you overcook chili in a slow cooker? ›

Yes, but it would take a while. I have cooked this chili for 9 hours on low and it was delicious but ever-so-slightly burnt on the top. The tomatoes contain sugar, which caramelizes in the slow cooker, and will eventually burn if it cookes for too long. Anything longer than 10 hours on low is risky.

Don't leave it on 'warm' all day

Most appliances will automatically shut off after 20 or so hours on this setting, but you shouldn't leave food in a slow cooker for an extended length of time. The general rule of thumb is that 2-4 hours is the maximum length of time you can leave food in a slow cooker on warm.

The best chili meat is a combination of meats, often a mix of ground chuck, ground sirloin, brisket, diced tri-tip, and/or some bacon or sausage. Do your best to mix smaller pieces with larger pieces to stack textures and make it your own! Happy cooking!

Ideally, chili should simmer low and slow. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate and results in a thicker consistency and deeper, more complex flavor as the aromatics and spices release their superpowers.

Yellow Onions: These are the most versatile and widely available type of onion, and are a good choice for chili con carne. They have a slightly sweet, sharp, and tangy flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

A member of the mint family, thyme is an aromatic herb that delivers a balanced blend of citrus and mint essence with woody, floral notes. Thyme flavor can be peppery and sweet, sometimes with a clove-like sensation.

Thyme. When it comes to herbs that pair fantastically with beef, thyme is a classic. Whether used fresh or dry, thyme rounds out the flavours and adds a touch of depth to beef dishes of all sorts, including stews and casseroles. Thyme also tastes great as a rub or herb crust on steak or roast beef.

The best herbs for ground beef are those listed above; you can use Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, or Sage for delicious ground beef. Depending on what you're making, ground beef can be mixed with Parsley or Dill or accented with Basil or Tarragon.

Oregano Substitute in Chili

If you need an alternative to oregano for your chili, look to the other savory spices in your cabinet such as sage, marjoram, or thyme.